Thames Valley: Blandy & Blandy to relocate to new office in Henley

Thames Valley solicitors Blandy & Blandy LLP has announced that the firm’s offices in Henley will be relocating to Thameside, as part of a long-term commitment to the town.

Blandy & Blandy will move from its current offices on Hart Street, the firm’s home since it acquired Collins Dryland & Thorowgood in 2016, this summer.

Describing Henley as a “natural home” and an “excellent fit” for Blandy & Blandy, chairman Brenda Long explained: “As we continue to grow, we are delighted to be investing significantly in Henley.

"Our new offices on Thameside will offer an attractive and welcoming location and allow us to provide an enhanced experience to all of our clients.”

She added: “12 staff will be based in our Henley offices full-time, while many others from the firm’s 100 strong staff will routinely spend time there dependant on our clients’ needs. This gives us one of the largest footprints and pools of expertise of any firm of solicitors based in and around the town.”

• Meanwhile, Blandy & Blandy LLP’s corporate team has advised Reading Buses (Reading Transport) on its acquisition of Bracknell-based Courtney Buses (Courtney Coaches).

Partner David Few and solicitor Stuart Rose have advised on the deal which follows the retirement of the Courtney Buses’ founder, Bill Courtney-Smith. The acquisition of Courtney Buses includes a fleet of 57 buses, the Courtney Bodyworks business and Courtney Authorised Testing Facility, which can conduct MoTs on large vehicles.

Founded in 1973, the company services routes covering areas including Waltham St Lawrence, Shurlock Row, Twyford, Wokingham, Crowthorne, Sonning and Binfield. Reading Buses will continue to operate existing routes pending a full review when the companies merge their operations.

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, said: “We see this as a significant fit for Reading Buses, both in terms of complementary local bus network, high quality, high profile operations, our expansion into the wider Thames Valley, and also the supporting businesses.

“This well-run business will provide a return to our shareholder over time that will justify and repay the initial capital outlay and will allow the wider Reading Buses group – consisting of Reading Buses, Newbury & District and Courtney Buses – to become more efficient by integrating routes and tickets and sharing overheads.”